FOR THE LOVE OF HAMILTON

This regular feature highlights people from all walks of life who have embraced Hamilton as their new home.

SHELLEY FALCONER has been the president and CEO of the Art Gallery of Hamilton since 2014. She is a native of Montreal. Her 30-year career includes national and international experience as an administrator, curator, educator, and consultant. She has worked with a variety of important private and public collections, and cultural and educational organizations, including the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, University of Toronto, Centennial College, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Toronto District School Board, Department of Heritage, Government of Canada, Sotheby's London, and Waddington Galleries, England. She splits her time between living in Hamilton and King City.

What does your role as president and CEO of the AGH entail?

Sometimes I feel like I am a “jack of all trades, master of none.” But as a museum director, you need a deep understanding of the many roles involved since you are responsible for both the artistic and administrative stewardship of the gallery. Ultimately, you need to be passionate about art, artists, have a deep empathy for people – your colleagues and the public – and think strategically.

What convinced you to take the job at AGH?

The extraordinary collection and the people.

What was your journey to becoming an arts administrator and curator?
 
In many ways, it found me. I was raised in a family with a mother who had a deep love of books, history and art. I remember being young curled up on the living room carpet and fascinated by her many books on Goya. I later realized that art, unlike any other subject, is a multidimensional gateway to history and life. But I also love the important work that we do in museums for and with the public and community. 

You have some personal connections to Hamilton. Can you tell us about them?

Yes, in 1948, my mother and grandmother left Europe after surviving the Holocaust. Much of my family perished. Hamilton was the first city they lived in before settling in Montreal. For years, we also often visited my late sister-in-law and her family here in Westdale, and while I was a graduate student, I worked as a curatorial intern at the AGH with Dr. Ihor Holubizky.

What are you most proud of about your leadership tenure at the AGH?

The growth of the collection, exhibition, and educational program. The collection is constantly evolving with new works by artists that contribute to its relevance and distinctiveness. I’m also committed to ensuring that the collection represents a wide diversity of artists from Hamilton and the region, across gender, generations, backgrounds, and artistic mediums. In this way, the works reflect the cultural and political shifts of our time, while I think maintaining a timeless relevance.

Our education and public programs have also grown, offering a great deal of variety, expanding and amplifying the visitor’s experience in the galleries through innovative installations, talks, wellness, and special programs for school children, college students, artists, educators, and adults.

What would you like a Hamiltonian who has never visited the AGH to know about what they could experience there?

Increasingly, in a world that often feels like nothing but turbulence and uncertainty, a visit to see art is literally a healthy respite. You can experience a little bit of everything – inspiration, contemplation, a refuge from all the madness, and depending on the day, a few surprises and some fun!

How would you describe the aspirations and vision you and the rest of the team have for the AGH?

To inspire, strengthen and connect communities through art. We have been reimagining the AGH’s identity as a public experience, rethinking visitor engagement, accessibility and wellness. We have been thinking a lot about ways to intentionally integrate wellness into our institution. Looking at art makes people feel better and there’s research to support this. 

From introducing new public spaces and offerings, to studying the health benefits of art itself, we are broadening what it means for an art gallery to serve its community.  Increasingly, we are part of a much broader context that is often termed “experiential,” especially given the plans for the revitalization of the downtown of Hamilton. We are very much leaning into this deepened thirst for interaction and experience by looking at all elements of what a visit to the AGH means.

What's the one thing you brag about Hamilton to outsiders?

The art scene – from the visual to the performing, musical and culinary scene – it’s very rich and dynamic.

Who inspires you?

The staff and volunteers that I work with – the AGH team is truly extraordinary.

How would you describe Hamilton’s art and culture scene and how has it changed over your years in the city?

I would characterize Hamilton’s art and culture scene as fearless, creative, and resilient – despite the challenges, it’s growing and deepening.

How would you describe this city as a place to work in the arts?

Collaborative and supportive.

What Hamilton arts or cultural events do you most look forward to attending?

The next AGH opening or performance … and of course, the art crawls, Supercrawl, and the Hamilton Arts Awards.

How do you spend your spare time?

What spare time?

What is your favourite meal in a local restaurant?

Tantanmen ramen from Mystic Ramen or shrimp saganaki from Apllada Greek Fusion.

What's Hamilton's best-kept secret that you've discovered?

The AGH’s permanent collection, which is nearing 12,000 pieces!

What does Hamilton need more of?

Optimism

What does Hamilton need less of?

Pessimism

Do you know someone we should feature in For the Love of Hamilton? Please email editor Meredith MacLeod at meredith@hamiltoncitymagazine.ca.